Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, is as fascinating as it is entertaining. There are a number of great activities to keep you busy, and wonderful historic sites, museums, and shops to keep you interested. The dining facilities and small groupings of stores are wonderful, and while portions of Ho Chi Minh resemble a bustling commercial center, other parts are quiet and agricultural. Some of the locals keep to themselves, subdued and caught up in their daily routine. Others will be the first to greet you, inviting you to the grand opening of their bar or restaurant. It is the tremendous diversity of Ho Chi Minh that makes it such a desirable tourist destination. There is so much to do and see, and it is an incredibly friendly city. The citizens will assist you almost without exception, and the city is relatively easy to navigate.
This exciting Asian city is a relatively new one, only founded in the 18th century. Chinese and Vietnamese merchants from the north settled Ho Chi Minh, as they were looking for political and economic freedom. The majority of the first inhabitants to the area were civil war refugees. It did not take long for Ho Chi Minh to become a powerful commercial center. Its location and abundance of natural resources made it a desirable location for trade and commerce. This is still the major commercial port in all of Vietnam. Five million people live in Ho Chi Minh, making it the largest city in the country. It is located on the Saigon River, and the atmosphere in and around the city is extremely engaging. The Chinese district springs up out of nowhere, and this is part of the charm of the city. Many of the best aspects of Ho Chi Minh are often stumbled upon un-knowingly. They just pop up and you are instantly transported into another dimension of fun and excitement. The food here is outstanding, and the nightlife exceptional. There are a couple of rather seedy portions of the city, but no more than anywhere else. Exercise the same caution as you would at home and you should be fine. Phan Thiet beach is great if you can make it out there, but if not, there is so much to do in this wonderful city that your time will constantly be occupied with delightful activities.
Hong Kong
Many feared that Hong Kong's incredible rise to prominence would be stunted when Great Britain handed control of the island back to China in 1997. In the years since, however, Hong Kong has continued its meteoric rise to become one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Rim.
This position of strength could hardly have been anticipated. When England gained control of Hong Kong after the 1841 Opium War, the island was regarded as little more than barren rock. In fact, most of its value came from its strategic trading position, for it stood as a perfect entryway to Canton. Hong Kong started to rise slowly, but exploded only after waves of mainland Chinese came to the island, fleeing the Communist Revolution. Many of the refugees included China's elite businessmen, who came to this small island and transformed it into a wealthy economic hub.
Hong Kong's skyscrapers actually take their name literally. Companies continually strive to outdo each other by building huge edifices, seemingly one on top of the other. But if you can escape Hong Kong Island, you will be enchanted by the less developed islands that surround it. A side trip to the island of Lantau will remind you that there is more to Hong Kong than tall buildings and money.
Hong Kong can be easily divided into three main sections. Hong Kong Island measures only thirty square miles, but this is where you will probably spend most, if not all of your time. Each district on the island has a distinct feel to it, with some more focused on fashion and others concerned with economy and industry. Kowloon is the peninsula that lies across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. Finally, the New Territories cover two hundred square miles of mostly pristine, undeveloped territory.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.
These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.
Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.
Nagasaki
The charm and elegance of Nagasaki is much more covert than other Japanese cities. While not an outright tourist town, Nagasaki does remain quite popular because of its grace and beauty. While it is true that Nagasaki is not filled with luxurious resorts, famous museums, and world renowned art galleries, the gardens and parks more than make up for its lack of man-made spectacles. The landscape is gorgeous, and Nagasaki relies on its intrinsic beauty to attract people from all over the globe. This tactic has worked, as cruise ships flock to this exquisite port city, with passengers eager to experience some of the wonder of Nagasaki.
The green hills are magnificent, and Nagasaki has one of the prettiest harbors in the entire world. It is a circular masterpiece, and surrounding it are small, close-knit neighborhoods full of people who are extremely proud and loyal members of the community. Nagasaki is known as one of the safest and most pleasant cities in the country, and the fact that it is culturally diverse makes it all the more interesting. The population here is right around 500,000, and the yearly festivals, great restaurants, and ancient temples combine with the aesthetic brilliance to form a spectacular atmosphere.
In 1571, the harbor of Nagasaki was opened to European ships for trading purposes. Soon after, it became a major port for many Western countries, especially Portugal and the Netherlands. This triggered the Chinese to get into action, and they quickly set up camp along the Nagasaki harbor. This region became a booming trade center in no time, and its fame spread throughout the world. Even during Japan's trade isolation, it was the lone city of Nagasaki that was allowed to continue trading with Western civilizations. This is an important, historic, and wonderful city that demands a visit. The scarring from the tragic World War Two bombing is almost nonexistent, and all that remains are memories, stories, and landmarks that pay tribute to the lost souls. If you look in the right places, you will be delighted by the great shopping facilities that are found throughout the city. Sometimes they may prove difficult to uncover, but half the fun is trying, as Nagasaki is compact and incredibly fun to explore.
Osaka
Osaka is one of the premier vacation spots in Japan. Beautiful and busy, graceful and lively, Osaka has it all. The rich heritage of the region is complemented by the modern feel and splendid architecture. The ancient landmarks are glorious, and you will be treated to marvelous wonders at every turn. The citizens of Osaka have great pride in their hometown, and they should, because it is magnificent. While there are a number of outstanding man-made achievements in Osaka, the best sites are those that combine the thought of man and the brilliance of nature. Two examples of such spots are the Floating Garden Observatory and the Osaka Aquarium, where locals and tourists can see nature in its truest and most exquisite forms.
In addition to the extraordinary intrinsic glory of the region, the Osaka government has really done a terrific job in the last few years of keeping the city clean, pristine, and full of activities. There are a tremendous number of enjoyable engagements to take part in at any given time, especially at night and on the weekends. The businessmen and employed population of Osaka are incredibly hard working, so when they get a little time off they love to party. Great bars, fabulous restaurants, and fun karaoke clubs line the streets in certain areas of Osaka, and a night out is a fun night indeed. During the day, there are spectacular museums and architectural triumphs to hold your attention, and the underground shopping network is extraordinary.
Osaka is located on Honshu's southern coast, and has a fascinating 1500-year history. Heritage is important to all members of Japanese society, and families have an incredibly strong bond within them. Assisting a parent or grandparent in need is always the primary duty of the children. This extravagant city, so full of energy and meaning, is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, and is the third most inhabited city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.
Seward
Seward is a fascinating place to visit, and even if you are only here for a day or so, the region demands a look around. Many tourists traveling through Alaska will be familiar with Seward due to its popularity as a central port from which travelers take off to many Alaskan destinations. It is located conveniently in the Prince William Sound and acts as a gateway to the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of Alaska. Therefore, if only for a couple of hours or a couple of days, many people who have visited Alaska have seen Seward at one time or another. Only the lucky ones have visited Seward for days at a time, a region with some outstanding fishing sites, great sea kayaking opportunities, and wonderful hiking trails. The Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the top destinations in all of Alaska, and it is as diverse as it is majestic. You can see a multitude of landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that you thought only possible in your dreams. Recently, tourism in Seward has exploded, which has come as a bit of a shock to the citizens of this once small town. It's a bit of a mystery why travelers all over the world are showing such universal interest in this remote location, but perhaps Seward business proprietors and visitors like myself have plugged the city so much that our advertising has paid off.
Seward is one of the oldest cities in Alaska, and the area was first recognized in 1793, when the governor of Russia, Alexander Baranof, stopped here and named Resurrection Bay. He then built a ship which unfortunately sank, and not too much was heard about Seward until 1903. At this time the town evolved into a big Alaskan port city because companies were interested in building a railroad here that would run north and south for miles. This venture failed, but all of the talk brought gold prospectors, settlers, and workers whose families and kin would stay here for good.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is an ancient city that is both fascinating and enjoyable. Even though there are some American restaurants and stores, (and it is part of the States, of course), it is certainly not your typical American town. If Anchorage is at one end of the Alaskan spectrum, you will definitely find Ketchikan at the other end. This small city contains more totem poles than anywhere in the world, and is set at the base of Deer Mountain. Back in the 1930?s, Ketchikan was fondly known as the salmon-canning capital of the world. While this may no longer be true, the salmon fishing remains outstanding. Just before the beginning of the 20th century, a series of gold discoveries brought vast numbers of immigrants to the area. This created two important industries that strengthened the economy in Ketchikan: commercial fishing and lumber. The region prospered for a while, but suffered an economic depression after the gold dried up, and the immigrants were left with no more than when they came. Many of them left and went to other parts of Alaska where they could find work.
The city is quite compact and you can see most of it on foot. There are numerous stores that offer unique arts and crafts, jewelry, and other specialty items that are made by hand in Ketchikan. There are great trails for hiking and exploring, and a wide array of outdoor sports and activities is offered as well. A few restaurants will fill you up with hearty, quality food, but your options are definitely limited. While the nightlife and eating facilities are not bustling, it doesn't really matter, because Ketchikan is charming enough that its visitors don't need to be wined and dined. Ketchikan's charm is complemented by Mother Nature, who relies on the intrinsic beauty of the region to captivate tourists.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a wonderfully scenic region that has vacation opportunities everywhere you look. The dining is splendid, and the shopping and nightlife are abundant. There are a number of high quality stores, and friendly nightclubs and bars are plentiful. One of the most enjoyable spots in the city is the BC Sports Hall of Fame Museum. Here you can observe the history and highlights of athletics in British Columbia, while testing your own might by actually participating in sporting events. The result is a lively afternoon that is sure to capture your mind and heart. Other fine museums exist in the city as well, such as the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
When you aren't too busy visiting all of the exquisite galleries and museums, you should take some time to notice the intrinsic beauty of the area. The city has some dazzling spots that are amazing no matter what time of the year you may be visiting. The air is fresh and the view out to the sea is inspiring, making for a lovely experience as you stroll along the port. The skyscrapers and new age buildings provide a certain contrast to the sparkling waters and clear skies. The Vancouver Harbour Center in the downtown portion of the city overlooks the beach and the heart of the city, depending on which way you are facing. This rotating landmark demands comparison to the Space Needle in Seattle, except that it is much smaller. Nonetheless, it still provides an opportunity to observe the goings on of this spectacularly unique city.
Victoria
The landscape of British Columbia is as diverse as it is beautiful, and the west coast, home to glorious Victoria, is no exception. From beaches to mountains, exquisite parks to enchanting architectural sites, Victoria has it all. The museums in the city are marvelous, and the Royal British Columbia Museum, in particular, is outstanding, featuring an IMAX theater and incredible exhibits. The Maritime Museum illustrates the heralded maritime history of Victoria, and the model ship exhibit is fascinating. There are a number of spots in the city where nature has combined with the efforts of local residents to create some of the most amazing sites possible. The Butchart Gardens captivate all who visit, and Beacon Hill Park is a wondrous region that is adored by the entire community.
Victoria is a picturesque seaport that is the capital of the province and the highlight of beautiful Vancouver Island. Positioned ideally, and complemented by the lovely Pacific Ocean, Victoria enjoys a strong English influence, and its Victorian architecture only adds to the feeling. During the 19th century, it was a mighty port city that was a major English outpost. But in the 1880?s, when Vancouver was founded, England basically forgot all about Victoria. However, in the 20th century, and in the new millennium, we certainly cannot forget about this gorgeous city by the sea. With a pleasant climate and plenty of fabulous restaurants to keep you busy for days, Victoria is becoming a more popular vacation spot with each passing year.
San Francisco
Whether or not you will leave your heart in this great city is debatable. However, what is not debatable is that you will enjoy countless wonderful experiences while in San Francisco, you will have a fabulous time, and you will be a better and more cultured person for it. The citizens of this incredible city are about as diverse as anywhere in the world. They have brought along with them their cultures, traditions, and cuisine. San Francisco could not be more open to every nation and heritage. This is exactly what makes San Francisco such an extraordinary place to visit. Everyone is welcome, and walking through the city, you will encounter tolerant and fascinating individuals, eager to help you on your travels.
The city has an old and esteemed history, becoming popular and really ballooning in size back in the Gold Rush days in the mid-19th century. Chinese immigrants flocked to this part of California, and Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the city's amazing cultural centers. The dining in Chinatown is authentic and delicious, as it is everywhere else in the city. Probably the best parts of the city are on the coast, as the glorious Pacific and Golden Gate Bridge paint a beautiful backdrop to this bustling center of commerce. Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square are some of the best sites found on the coast. Just off the coast, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on its own rock, lies Alcatraz, a former penitentiary that can be visited by boat. There are a multitude of museums, activities, and sporting events to keep you busy during your stay. So grab a bowl of the best clam chowder around, and see the sights of this one-of-a-kind city.
Los Angeles
One of the most famous cities in the world, everyone dreams
of going to Los Angeles at one time or another. A certain romance is attached to
this city, the "city of angels." Even children on remote islands
thousands of miles away can describe Los Angeles to a certain degree. They will
tell you of glorious beaches, beautiful women, fabulous weather all year long,
and how easy it is to meet real life movie stars. The incredible part is that
this kind of lifestyle is true for many of the city's inhabitants. A region of
tremendous size and magnitude, Los Angeles is a marvelous place to visit. The
variety of activities and opportunities for diversity is practically
unparalleled.
Speaking in relative terms, Los Angeles is a remarkably new
city, a cultural center unlike anywhere else. Los Angeles fascinates historians
because its history is so exciting and easy to track, and because its growth has
been so amazing. The Spanish officially founded Los Angeles in 1781. The area
had been inhabited by Native American tribes prior to that, and was under
Spanish rule until 1821, when they relinquished their power, and the Bear Flag
Republic was then proclaimed in 1846. In 1850 California became the 31st
state of this new Republic, The Santa Fe Railroad finally reached Los Angeles in
1875, and from there the expansion began. However, it wasn't until 1911 that
Los Angeles really started to take off; it was at that time when the first
Hollywood studio was established. Just one year later, there were already 16
motion picture companies located in Hollywood. So began the history of the movie
capital of the world. Since then, Los Angeles has been the pioneering force
behind everything in entertainment and film, in particular.
Los Angeles is a region where you can drive to the mountains
and ski in the morning, then travel to the beach and surf in the afternoon. It
is truly an unbelievable city, with miles of glorious beach, gorgeous mountains,
interesting cultural centers and museums, extraordinary amusement parks, and of
course, plenty of movie studios. The Staples Center, just opened to the public
in 1999, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility, where the Los
Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Kings play their respective professional sports
games. Concerts and marvelous events are held here as well, and this is only the
beginning of this diverse haven; a city that has been designed with the intent
to entertain.
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